US-Iran Diplomacy in Doha: US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff met Qatar’s PM as Washington and Tehran keep indirect technical talks moving, but Iran and Qatar say talks are mediated, not direct—while disputes over Strait of Hormuz passage fees and Lebanon’s file still hang over the process. Strait of Hormuz Tensions: Iran-linked reporting claimed a cargo ship ran aground in the strait as shipping partially resumes; Tehran insists it can manage traffic and later impose tolls, a move Gulf states resist. Kuwait Security Posture: Kuwait’s Cabinet condemned Iranian “aggressions,” ordered peak defense readiness, and froze unapproved state consulting contracts, framing the attacks as violations of sovereignty and UN rules. Iraq Investment Push: Iraq’s PM said a new Energy and Development Fund, backed by the Central Bank, will invite Gulf and Western investors to finance reconstruction and energy projects. Jordan Development Financing: The World Bank approved a $700m loan to help Jordan convert macro stability into private investment, jobs, and a green-digital transition. Energy Costs Spill Over: Ofgem’s UK price cap rose 13% (about £221 a year), with officials citing Middle East-driven wholesale gas pressures; housing sentiment also softened amid the same uncertainty. Regional Economic Pressure: S&P Global said manufacturing output in June grew fastest in 21 months as firms stockpiled ahead of Middle East trade disruption, but warned the boost may fade. LPG Relief, Not for Households: India cut commercial LPG cylinder prices from July 1 while keeping domestic cooking gas unchanged. Korean Shipping Fallout: South Korea said only two domestic vessels remain in the Strait of Hormuz, shifting focus to safety and crew rotations for sailors on foreign-flag ships. Malta Macro Watch: Malta’s fiscal advisory council warned the Middle East conflict could raise energy and food prices and imported inflation even if direct trade exposure is limited.